Posted on Tuesday 18th March 2025
(L-R) James Evans from Stafford HWRC, Emma Smith from Grace cares and Thomas Davies and Martyn Rowntree from Medequip
More than 700 medical items have been recycled over the last 12 months thanks to a new county council and charity partnership.
The project, run by Staffordshire County Council and charity Grace Cares allows people to donate any unwanted items at 12 convenient collection points across Staffordshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
Items include things like walkers and commodes. The charity then sells the donated items at less than half the market price, making them accessible to individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford them.
Any proceeds from sales directly fund community events, including afternoon teas and care home activities. Additionally, grants are provided to care workers and users of care services.
Simon Tagg, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This is a great project that not only helps prevent care equipment from ending up in scrap metal but also provides access to essential equipment for other people.
“It’s a win, win situation for all parties and I’d like to thank those who have donated items.”
Emma Smith, Co-Founder at Grace Cares said:
“Every piece of vital care equipment that's recycled rather than discarded represents both an environmental win and a step towards more sustainable care practices for Staffordshire.
“This expanded partnership embodies our core mission to make care sustainable without compromising on quality-of-care equipment.”
Building on this success, the council and Grace Cares have now partnered with Medequip to expand their efforts by also collecting items on loan following an assessment by a health or social care professional, via the Community Equipment Loan Service when no longer needed. This partnership aims to make it easier for residents to dispose of their unwanted medical items regardless of whether they’re on loan or not. Medequip will collect from the HWRCs to clean, repair and refurbish for reuse.
Martyn Rowntree, Operations Manager at Medequip, the commissioned provider of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Community Equipment Loan Service, said:
“We are pleased to partner with Staffordshire County Council and Grace Cares on this important initiative.
“Introducing dedicated drop-off points at recycling centres makes it easier for residents to return equipment, helping us recover, clean, refurbish and reuse more items. This trial will provide valuable insights to shape a long-term solution, reducing waste and ensuring vital equipment reaches those who need it.”
For more information on acceptable items, drop-off locations, and inquiries, please visit the Waste Savvy Staffs Facebook.